HeyRuaHow to say “gap” in Irish
- Irish:
- bearnas
- English:
- gap, mountain pass
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BYAR-nus” /bʲaːɾˠn̪ˠəsˠ/
- Plural:
- bearnais (gaps)
- Genitive singular:
- bearnais, an bhearnais (e.g. barr an bhearnais, the top of the pass)
- Genitive plural:
- bearnas, na mbearnas (e.g. ainmneacha na mbearnas, the names of the passes)
What does “bearnas” mean?
“Bearnas” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- gap
- A gap or opening in something, such as a hedge, a wall or a line of hills.Also: opening, breach.
1 other meaning: mountain pass
- 2mountain pass
- A narrow way through mountains or hills.Also: pass, defile, col.
Other Irish words for gap: bearna (gap)
“Bearnas” with the article
The plural of gap in Irish is bearnais. Here is bearnas after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bearnas” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bearnas, the Irish word for gap.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Gap in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for gap?
The Irish for gap is bearnas (pronounced “BYAR-nus”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bearnais. Depending on context it can also mean mountain pass.
How do you pronounce bearnas in Irish?
Bearnas is said like “BYAR-nus” (IPA /bʲaːɾˠn̪ˠəsˠ/).
What is the plural of gap in Irish?
The plural of bearnas is bearnais; with the article, na bearnais means “the gaps”. The genitive plural is bearnas, as in ainmneacha na mbearnas (the names of the passes).
Does bearnas have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bearnas can mean gap or mountain pass, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bearnas change to bhearnas or mbearnas?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bearnas becomes mo bhearnas (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbearnas (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'bearnas' and 'bearna'?
'Bearna' is the everyday word for a gap of any kind, including a gap in teeth, while 'bearnas' is used especially for a gap or pass in mountains and often appears in place names.
